Angling Links

In 2010, a cold snap killed nearly 15% of the snook population in the Gulf of Mexico. After a three year closure, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has determined that the population has rebounded sufficiently to allow for the recreational harvest of the fish (starting Sept. 1). Management efforts such as the implementation of a slot limit to protect juveniles and the more productive larger fish are expected to help snook numbers continue to improve. The next stock assessment is scheduled for 2015. Do you think the opening was premature? Has anyone heard how things are going up to this point in the season?

The Bahamas National Trust and several other groups are working with government officials to expand the number of national parks in Abaco in an effort to protect bonefish spawning grounds. The proposal will target the areas of Cross Harbour (South Abaco) and The Marls (Central Abaco). These two areas are of particular importance because bonefish from The Marls congregate in the Cross Harbour area prior to pushing out into deeper water to spawn. Protecting these areas is vital to maintaining a healthy population of bonefish and the fly fishing industry that they support. Click here for the whole story.

The effort to restore American rivers to their natural flows via the removal of aging dams has reached "movement" status. Just last year, approximately 400 miles of river and stream were restored following the removal of 65 dams in 19 states. So how's it working out for the fish? Click here to read about the return of the chinook salmon to streams located above the former Elwha Dam site. Also, be sure to check out the trailer for Felt Sole Media's upcoming documentary "DamNation." This film takes a broad look at the issue of dam removal.

Want a look at some of the world's most exotic fishing destinations? The worldwide premier and DVD release of Confluence Films' new movie Waypoints is scheduled for release on November 8. It will be availabe in iTunes on December 20. In the meantime, here is a look at the trailer.